Navy Pier to Implement Temporary Closure Starting September 8

NAVY PIER TEMPORARY CLOSURE FAQ

• Why is Navy Pier closing?

  Navy Pier initially closed to the public on March 16 due to state-wide orders related to COVID-19. Since reopening on June 10 and resuming partial operations, the organization has seen less than 20 percent of its typical summer attendance, making it difficult to generate revenues to support standard operations. Given that Navy Pier is entirely supported by operating revenue and philanthropic donations, the decline in attendance and corresponding loss of revenue renders normal operations unsustainable during this period.

  To date, the Centennial Wheel and other Pier Park attractions—primary sources of revenue—have not been able to open and operate. On-site cultural anchors, Chicago Children’s Museum and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, have also remain closed. Furthermore, restrictive capacity limitations for restaurants, events, banquets and conventions have prevented the Pier from resuming full operations and offering full experiences to guests.

• How long will Navy Pier be closed?

  Navy Pier anticipates on re-opening in the spring of 2021, pending the status of the pandemic.

• Will Navy Pier be implementing additional layoffs and/or furloughs?

  Navy Pier will continue to implement cost reductions, including adjustments to staffing and/or employee work schedules, as well as changes to services provided by outside contractors. The timing and announcement of these adjustments will be based upon the financial status and needs of the organization.

• Has Navy Pier had any conversations related to the temporary closure with City, State or Federal officials? Where do government officials stand on this matter?

  Navy Pier continues to have open discussions with various government officials and agencies, including the City of Chicago, State of Illinois and the US Government. The Pier has also shared its situation with elected officials in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate, along with the Illinois Congressional Delegation.

• Are you holding out hope that the City, State or Federal government will offer any sort of bailout or relief?

  As Navy Pier operations are entirely supported by operating revenue and philanthropic donations, this loss of attendance and corresponding loss of revenue renders normal operations unsustainable during this period of time. Unlike many of our cultural partners in the City of Chicago on publicly-owned land, Navy Pier does not receive financial support for operations from the City or State. Navy Pier’s 2019 budget breakdown is as follows: 27% of revenues generated from tenant partners, 23% of revenues generated from Pier Park attractions, 20% of revenues generated from parking, 13% of revenues generated from private events, 11% of revenues generated from corporate sponsorships and philanthropic support, and 6% of revenues from miscellaneous activity.

  As the top tourism destination in the Midwest, Navy Pier and its partners employ nearly 3,000 individuals. Guests spend nearly $200 million annually at Navy Pier and spend an additional $150+ million in the immediate vicinity of Navy Pier. Guest spending on-site generated $7.30M in combined State taxes ($4.48M Sales, $1.82M Income, $1M Corp Profit) and off-site generated $5.66M in combined State taxes ($3.48M Sales, $1.40 Income, $.78M Corp Profit). Navy Pier capital expenditures generated $2.31M in combined State taxes.

• How will Navy Pier make up the deficit to reopen?

  The Pier is using its cash reserves to fund the current deficit.

• What was Navy Pier’s total revenue in 2019, and what is the total projected revenue for 2020?

  Navy Pier generated about $60M in 2019. In 2020, the organization projects a $20M deficit.

• How do the vendor business agreements work at Navy Pier?

  Vendor business agreements vary with each agreement, both in terms of length and financial arrangements.

• When is Navy Pier reopening?

  Spring of 2021, pending the status of the pandemic at that time.

• Can I book event space/host an event at Navy Pier during the temporary closure?

  During the temporary closure, Navy Pier will not be accepting any event or space bookings.

• What about current events/space booked at Navy Pier?

  Events will be re-scheduled for 2021 and/or when the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago move to Phase 5.

• Will other cultural institutions (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, WBEZ, and Chicago Children’s Museum) at the Pier be open during the temporary closure?

  WBEZ will be open during normal business hours. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Chicago Children’s Museum have been closed to the public since mid-March and will remain closed until further notice. For further information regarding future operations, please visit their respective websites.

• Will employees of Chicago Shakespeare, WBEZ, Chicago Children’s Museum, etc. be allowed access to their offices at the Pier during the closure?

  Navy Pier will finalize details in the coming weeks and provide partners with appropriate information to access their respective office spaces during the Pier’s closure.

• Has Navy Pier ever experienced a “temporary closure” before?

  Since Navy Pier’s reopening in 1995, the Pier has temporarily closed on three occasions. It was closed for two days in 2016 during the installation of the Centennial Wheel; two days in 2019 during the Polar Vortex; and from March 16 to June 10, 2020 due to State and City COVID-19 orders.

• Will I still have access to Polk Bros Park?

  Guests will have limited access to Polk Bros Park. Access to the North and South Docks will be prohibited.

• Can I walk or jog along the dock(s)?

  No, access to the North and South Docks will be prohibited during the temporary closure.

• How does the closure impact the hotel opening?

  Construction of the hotel is still ongoing. Once construction is completed, Navy Pier will work with the developer to announce an opening date of the property.

• Are there any partners leaving the Pier because of COVID? If so, who?

  Any changes to businesses and partners operating at Navy Pier will be announced prior to the Pier’s reopening in the spring of 2021.

• What will happen with Winter WonderFest?

  As a result of the temporary closure, Winter WonderFest will be canceled in 2020.

• Where can I learn the latest information about Navy Pier's reopening?

  Follow Navy Pier on Instagram for all the latest information.